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There are many financial goals that you wish to reach, but where do you start? It can be hard to know where to start when you want to succeed in money management. Take a deep breath if you feel overwhelmed or lost. You can make progress in small, manageable steps. These 16 simple steps can help you improve your financial health.
Top 16 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Finances
1. Create a household budget
The biggest step toward effective money management is making a household budget. First, you need to determine how much money is coming in each month. Once you have this number, arrange your budget according to financial priorities.
These priorities include essential living expenses, retirement savings, debt repayment, and entertainment and lifestyle costs. It is crucial to have a clear understanding of how much money is coming in and going away each month.
2. Calculate your net worth
Your net worth simply means the sum of all your assets less your liabilities. The net worth is either a positive or a negative number. Positive numbers are good. You’ll have to continue working on your debt if it is negative, which is common among young people just starting their careers.
Keep in mind that assets such as your home count on both sides. Although you might have mortgage debt, the resale price of your home will secure it.
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3. Review your credit reports
Credit history is a key indicator of your creditworthiness. This includes the interest rates that you pay on loans or credit cards. This can impact your job opportunities and lifestyle choices.
Every 12 months, you can check your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) for free at annualcreditreport.com. You may find it beneficial to request a report from only one bureau every four-month so that you can monitor your credit throughout the year and not have to pay for it.
You can keep your credit reports updated to ensure you are on top of all accounts and alert you to any suspicious activity.
4. Check your credit score
FICO scores can vary from 300 to 850. Higher scores are better. Your credit score is determined by your payment history and your current credit limit.
5. Set a monthly savings amount
You can save money by transferring a fixed amount to a savings account while you pay your monthly bills. Paying for your discretionary expenses and waiting to see how much money you have left can result in a loss of savings or an uneven amount.
6. All debts must be paid in minimum payments
Avoiding late payments is the first step in maintaining good credit standing. Your budget should include the minimum amount of debt reduction payments. Next, find any extra money that you can use to pay down your principal debt.
7. Increase your retirement savings rate by 1 percent
Your overall financial success will depend on your retirement savings and your saving rate. For retirement, save 15% of your salary for the majority of your career. This includes any employer match. You can plan to reach this goal if you aren’t saving enough. You can increase your savings rate each time you receive a raise or bonus.
8. Open an IRA
An IRA can be accessed by anyone who has earned income. However, you cannot contribute to a traditional IRA after age 70 1/2. An IRA is not like a 401k, which is sponsored by an employer. It gives you unlimited investment options and isn’t tied to any employer.
9. Update your account beneficiaries
Some assets, such as retirement accounts or insurance policies, have their own beneficiary designations. They will be distributed according to who you list on these documents, not necessarily according to your estate planning documents. These should be reviewed every year, and if you experience a significant life event such as a marriage.
10. Review your employer benefits
Your salary is included in the monetary value of your job. These extras are part of wealth-building tools. Make sure to review them annually. A Flexible Spending Arrangement can be used to pay current medical expenses. A Health Savings Account can also be used to pay for future medical expenses.
11. Check your W-4
You can modify the W-4 form that you completed when you started work. It will tell you how much your employer withholds to pay taxes. Adjusting your tax withholdings if you receive a refund can help increase your take-home income. This form should be reviewed if you experience a significant life event such as a marriage or the birth of your child.
12. Consider your life insurance needs
A life insurance policy is necessary if your income is dependent on another person. Consider protecting your assets, paying off any outstanding debts, and calculating how much insurance you will need to cover retirement and college expenses.
13. Verify your FDIC insurance coverage
First, ensure that your bank institutions are FDIC-insured. You will need to verify that the credit union is a National Credit Union Administration-covered institution. Federal deposit insurance covers up to $250,000 for each type of bank account. To determine your account coverage at a single bank or various banks, visit FDIC.gov.
14. Review your Social Security Statements
Set up an online account at SSA.gov to confirm your work and income history and to get an idea of what types of benefits, if any, you’re entitled to — including retirement and disability.
15. To achieve your financial goals by the end of the year, set one financial goal
Financial success depends on your ability to recognize where you need to focus your energy. For example, having an emergency fund that is fully funded is one way.
You don’t want to be overwhelmed trying to achieve all your goals simultaneously. Instead, choose one goal that you can concentrate on and reach by the end of the year. You can save $500, pay off your credit card debt, and contribute to an IRA.
16. Spend one month on a spending spree
You can’t take a vacation from paying your bills. However, you have full control over how your discretionary income is spent. This may be the best way to start making progress towards your savings goals.
To cushion your savings or checking account, cut down on some of your daily expenses for a month. Start by packing your lunch every day to work or planning your week’s meals to cut down on grocery costs.
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